RE: help me out here

January 2, 2004

Barb,

One thing I can tell you is not to buy a bunch of protein powder! I

did and was sorry. Couldn't stomach the stuff after surgery and

ended up just getting my protein from foods, like eggs and cheese,

and cold cuts. Still do, for that matter.

I will be coming from Wasco, maybe someone can tell me how long it

takes to drive from Wasco to Delano?

And, where the hell is Lost Hills while we are on the subject of

driving?

Marta

January 2, 2004

I think lost hills is on 46 west ...... we drive though it each time we go

to the valley to see Big Daddy in Delano.

_____

Subject: Re: Help me out here

And, where the hell is Lost Hills while we are on the subject of driving?

January 2, 2004

Funny faces are wanted.

=========================

How about funny bellies? Ohhhhh Sharooonnn....We might get to show

our bellies!!!!

Jo

January 2, 2004

My advice is to keep it simple. Don't go buy a bunch of stuff that

you may or may not need...just get it as needed...gives the support

person something to achieve. lol

But some things to consider

Chapstick

Robe & House slippers (they won't let you walk barefooted in the

hospital...but if you forget they will supply you something) Keep

it simple and wear this to the hospital for surgery and wear it

home...less cloths to juggle)

Kotex..many women start right after surgery

Tongs (for that extra reach in the bathroom) Please note: The nurses

will clean you...no problem.

Peri bottle (to rinse first then dab dry...you can get creative in

what you use for a peri bottle...I believe Marta used a shampoo

bottle with one of those tops that you push one side and the other

side pops up at a slant...)

For home or hotel: Some method of sleeping that isn't Flat...a

recliner, lots of pillows...some have used a beanbag in the bed to

lay against with great success.

Chewable vitamins for the first month

Acidophilus...to regain the good flora in your intestines, start

taking as soon as your out of the hospital.

Your DS-bible...I mean binder. You need to refer to it often when

making dietary choices.

A positive attitude.

Hugs

Jo

January 2, 2004

> Barb,

>

> One thing I can tell you is not to buy a bunch of protein powder!

I

> did and was sorry. Couldn't stomach the stuff after surgery and

> ended up just getting my protein from foods, like eggs and cheese,

> and cold cuts. Still do, for that matter.

>

> I will be coming from Wasco, maybe someone can tell me how long it

> takes to drive from Wasco to Delano?

>

> And, where the hell is Lost Hills while we are on the subject of

> driving?

>

> Marta

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~`````

Lost Hills is in Gods country...LOL you take 46 and go towards

Paso,it is just over the I-5 bridge.Haven't been there in years.

Got pgregant with my son in LH...LOL

Wasco to Delano,maybe 20mins the way you drive,it isn't far at all.

Pat

January 3, 2004

> Funny faces are wanted.

>

> =========================

> How about funny bellies? Ohhhhh Sharooonnn....We might get to show

> our bellies!!!!

>

> Jo

Oh, yea,

Now this is something I can do. You wanna see my belly? I would

love to show you...scars and all...it is too cute!

Cant wait. Hope you are feeling better Jo.

Sharon in Onyx

January 5, 2004

> Kim

> Switched Dec 10, 2003

> <26 pounds

Kim You can count me in on not being able to " drink " protein. Hey I

tried a few...even some that wasn't HORRIBLE like Isopure...I could

drink one then would gag on the next one....but this girl could

nibble on chicken all day!!! I am also one who " ate " my protein.

I do think a person should give the protein drinks a try....but I

know for a fact I would be ill today if it depended on me Drinking

the Drinks. Tell your husband to " relax " ....your going to be " ok " .

Marta is a Doctor and Jo is a 3 year post-op and we say so...lol.

That does mean that you need to make ALMOST ALL your food intake

protein because you don't have the Room for other stuff right

now....protein has the priority. Over time you will be able to add

more variety to your diet.

Also..your really not expected to reach 80plus grams of protein that

first month...so if your getting close and getting in your

fluid...bravo your doing great!!!!

Hugs

Jo

January 5, 2004

In a message dated 1/5/04 7:04:55 PM Central Standard Time,

moobabies@... writes:

> Also..your really not expected to reach 80plus grams of protein that

> first month...so if your getting close and getting in your

> fluid...bravo your doing great!!!!

>

> Hugs

> Jo

>

I'm another on the no protein drink bandwagon. I think if I can get mine in

with eggs or meats, then all the better. Most days I do good. My protein levels

were fine at 1 year post op.

Mel

January 8, 2004

In a message dated 1/8/2004 11:16:49 AM Pacific Standard Time,

megafone910@... writes:

> 250/50 - does that mean I have a 50 cm common channel - I hate to be dumb

> here - but I guess I am )

Ya see you're not dumb at all -- you got it right the first try!

Hugs and blessings, Ann

January 8, 2004

> Oh my gosh, you just made my day! I was thinking I was going to be

really getting sick and all other horrible things (loss of hair, etc)

I am focusing on the proteins -

***Hi Kim, I hate to tell you this, but if you are going to loose

hair, you will loose it. This was my biggest fear (silly, I know,

but true). I ate my protien, made sure I got it all in right from

the get go, I drank protien shakes, supplemented with liquid protien,

etc. I even took hair vitamins, biotin, folic acid, and used the

hair shampoos like Biotin. I lost over a third of my hair. I

started with a lot, but I lost 3 baggies full...I used to bring them

to meetings to show Dr K...(this was just from my brush in the

morning and didnt take into account the hair I shed where ever I

went, or in the shower.) I could stand at my teller window and

actually feel it fall, like Charlie Browns Christmas tree...

But it did end ...it started at 3 mos out and ended at 6 mos out. It

does for the most part grow back, and I never got bald...

Keep eating that protien tho...cause who knows, If I didnt do all I

did to prevent it- I may have been bald!...lol

mistake of thinking I could guzzle down a big drink of water - that

water was like - UH where did you want me to go and came back up -

thats the first time thats happened - didn't throw up the food - just

the water - I knew as soon as I swallowed it I had made a BIG

mistake -

***We all have to learn about that one more bite, or one big

swallow...But then we remember and dont go there again. It is one of

DS lifes litlle experiences...like oil slicks! lol

> Thanks for the comfort - have a great day

>

> Kim

> Switched Dec 10, 2003

> <26 pounds

You are at the very beginning of your ride. Just hang on tight and

enjoy the journey....it is one hellava ride.

best

Sharon in Onyx

January 8, 2004

> I cannot do the protein shakes - I've been focusing on protein and

water - gave up my hawaiian punch - although they do have a " light "

version that I may try later - but for the next few weeks -

****If you like Hawiian punch, you may like nectar....It tastes punch

like and has protien. I really like it and use it as a treat. Not

everyone can do protien shakes. I doctor mine up and make it like an

Iced Mocha. I crave it every morning. I do the Nectar when I want

something sweet and refreshing...and guilt free...lol

>

> The bathroom issues - and the gas - really the smells are the only

downside - but I don't really go that often so its not too bad

***you are lucky...

>

> Hey I have a question - A lady asked me last night how big was my

common channel - do any of you know this answer - for yourselves? Dr

K signed my DS pillow and wrote something like 250/50 - does that

mean I have a 50 cm common channel - I hate to be dumb here - but I

guess I am )

>

***I dont know what Dr K meant on your pillow...I would ask, it is in

your file. We all have different lengths. Dr K takes into account

of the length of your intestine, your beginning weight, and how much

you need to loose. There is no pat answer here. My common channel

is 75 cm. I asked...

I am 5'4 " and started at 335 lbs. Wanted to loose 180 pounds (maybe

unrealistic...but hey that is what I wanted...lol) I have lost 147

lbs and am 2 years out.

hth

Sharon in Onyx

January 8, 2004

Just when I think I know all there is to know about DS... What the heck is a

" DS Pillow " and do I need to buy one? If so where? TIA

In a message dated 1/8/04 12:14:47 PM Pacific Standard Time,

megafone910@... writes:

> Dr

> K signed my DS pillow

-:¦:-Jeanne -:¦:-

Of Eureka

**Grand Opening**

Jan 27, 04 with

" Da Big K-huna "

===========

January 8, 2004

> Hey I have a question - A lady asked me last night how big was my

common channel - do any of you know this answer - for yourselves?

Dr K signed my DS pillow and wrote something like 250/50 - does

that mean I have a 50 cm common channel - I hate to be dumb here -

but I guess I am )

>

> Kim

> Switched Dec 10, 2003

=======================

More than likely the figures of 250/50 are refering to a 250 cm

Alimentary (sp)channel (this is the part of the intestines that food

travels down before it mixes with the biles in the common

channel...it's length is important because we can still absorb

calories in this part...you know the dreaded sugar/carb calories)

and a 50 cm commom channel

Jo

January 8, 2004

Is that the normal size 50 cm? She said Dr. K pretty much decides

on the size of the common channel per patient and how much they have

to lose - > Kim

=========================

Kim the basic formula that Dr. K uses is 10% of the total length of

the small bowel...than depending on what " range " it falls into he

either gives you a 50, 75 or 100 cm common channel

If your total bowel measures 850 cm (10% = 85) or more you fall into

the 100 cm common channel range

650-850 cm puts you into the 75 cm common channel range

650 or less puts you into the 50 cm common channel range.

In addition to the measurement he takes into consideration the one

and only individual YOU. Are you a Revision? Are you Super MO?

Are you Active? Your age, your sex..... He puts all the info

together and gives it his best guess as to what length will give you

the best weightloss results without it being TOOOO much weightloss.

A 50 cm common channel is considered the Shortest " safe " common

channel....anything shorter is not considered " safe " .

I hope this didn't confuse the heck out of you...lol

Jo

January 8, 2004

Jo,

thanks for explaining the formula. It sure did help me.

Hugs,

Laurie in WI

January 8, 2004

> Wow- you are doing great - I'm 5'6 " and started at 352 - I want to

lose 200 also maybe unrealistic but its what I want and I can dream

right? I am going to send them an email right now and ask -

***Never be afraid to go for what you want...you may have to settle,

like I have, but then you may not and reach the goal you set for

yourself. It is good to have goals and dreams. Just dont be hard on

yourself, and enjoy the accomplishemnts along the way.

***Jo is always right...smiling sweetly at Jo....your numbers were

probably the length of intestine, and length of common channel.

>

> What is Nectar? Do they have it at GNC - Also, give me your recipe

for your Iced Mocha - I'll give it a try - I'm up for anything that

will help

>

***I order my Nectar from WLSsuccess.com...it usually is one of the

pop-ups on this screen...you can order just samples to find out which

you like best. I really like all of them except the green apple,..

My ice mocha recipe is very simple....

Problend 55 (2 scoops) in a blender with 6 oz of milk (if you are

lactose intollerant you can use coffee if you like or water. I

prefer milk tho. Then I add 2 scoops of Big Train mocha mix (sugar

free, but you can order it with sugar if you want. I started with

the sugar one, then tried the sugar free and it tasted the same so I

go sugar-free) I get my mocha mix from BoxofGoodies.com. If you

order a certain amount shipping is free. I have heard that you can

buy a mocha mix at Costco, but havent tried it yet, as I am stocked

up. Then i add 2 cups of crushed ice and blend well....It makes a big

drink and sometimes takes me an hour to drink, but it is satisfying

to me and I crave it every morning. It also gives me a protien kick-

start for my day....I figure about 60 grams of protien...

I try to get in over a 100 grams a day.. and concentrate on protien

first at every meal, and snack...then IF I have any room I will add

other stuff as I desire.

I am 2 years out and my last labs were " perfect " according to Dr K.

He said my protien levels and albimum were higher than his and he was

very pleased...

> Thanks again - LOVE this board - so much info and people so willing

to share

>

> -Kim

Any time I can help a newbie it gives me great joy, as I feel like I

am giving back a portion of what I received. And am able to pass it

on. or pay it forward..

It blesses me double..

Sharon in Onyx

January 8, 2004

I am praying so hard for . I know I could " feel " the prayers that were

said for me. I hope that there is a healing light around and our love

and prayers are surrounding her.

in WA

January 8, 2004

> Just when I think I know all there is to know about DS... What the

heck is a

> " DS Pillow " and do I need to buy one? If so where? TIA

>

Nope Jeanne, they give you one. It shows your surgery on it and

nurses, drs, and friends can sign it. You need it for counter

pressure in case you sneeze or cough (God forbid) but they want you

to cough up gunk after surgery, so this helps.

Kinda a security blanket type thing. Take it with you everywhere,

walking etc. I still have mine...it helped with the TT/ hernia

repair too.

Sharon in Onyx

January 8, 2004

Doc gives you one. :-)

_____

From: gertilubop@... [mailto:gertilubop@...]

Sent: Thursday, January 08, 2004 5:04 PM

Subject: Re: Re: Help me out here

Just when I think I know all there is to know about DS... What the heck is

a

" DS Pillow " and do I need to buy one? If so where? TIA

In a message dated 1/8/04 12:14:47 PM Pacific Standard Time,

megafone910@... writes:

> Dr

> K signed my DS pillow

-:|:-Jeanne -:|:-

Of Eureka

**Grand Opening**

Jan 27, 04 with

" Da Big K-huna "

===========

January 8, 2004

May God bless your dear heart for updating us on . It is so much easier

to pray for her knowing what is going on. People do get well after being in

such critical condition...my friend Jeannie has (and this sounds so much like

her case). Jo you are a very wonderful person indeed and you REALLY deserve

the title Mama Jo.

Hugs and blessings, Ann

January 8, 2004

> MJ:

>

> Did I say thank you for the response? If not, thanks - so if it

is 50 cm - Is this a good thing?

A 50 cm common channel gives you the greatest amount of

malabsorption. Therefore the best chance at getting the weight off

and Keeping the weight off. It also gives you a higher chance of

having more bathroom issues. Also because it is the greatest amount

of malabsorption you should (in my opinion) be Extra, Extra deligent

in taking your suppliments. With a 50 cm common channel the only

thing they can do to create more malabsorption is to shorten the

alimentary channel, which isn't done very often..... I don't want

you missing the point...one of the reasons that Dr. K measures is to

give you the common channel length that is BEST for YOU. So I Dr. K

gave you a 50 cm common channel then it must have been the best for

YOU. My common channel is 75....I think a 50 would have been too

short for ME and I would have lost Too much weight...so what's best

for YOU isn't Best for ME....

>

> Regarding - I'm worried - what happened? Do we know what

caused all this?

is around 1 1/2 years DS post-op. She went in for a hernia

repair/tummy tuck and had her stomach reduced in size in an attempt

to get off those last stubborn pounds. She went home....was having

shortness of breath and couldn't eat...puked everything

up...including her suppliments, meds and antibiotics. Dee tried to

get her into the hospital around the New Years but said no cuz

she didn't want to be in the hospital especially during the

holidays...a couple days later she knew she had no choice and went

in. She was weak, dehydrated, severly low on protein and Iron,

incision infected..... This is where the info gets patchy because

It didn't come straight from ....yesterday she went in for

surgery...they had to place a central line, she had abcesses in the

chest cavity, she threw some blood clots...not sure if it came from

heart or from the central line...she is running a raging fever, in a

drug induced coma, kidneys are shutting down, she is very swollen, A

cardioligist was on his way to see her when I left...The good news

is that the nurses feel she is showing signs of some

improvement....

Since is the only patient of Dr. Z's/K's in the hospital that

is in serious condition I would bet is the patient they were

working on all night.

When I saw I just held her hand, rubbed her legs...talked to

her, told her that I was there...that I would be praying and the

group would be praying or sending healing thoughts...I told her

Jamison was ok and all she had to worry about was placing all her

energy into healing....I told her she was our family and in our

hearts......

There are photo's of (silentfox) in the photo section....she

is also in a pic at the pool party that is her sitting alone by the

wall....and in the photo album for Delano support meeting feb 03

there is a picture of and one of her son Jamison. Sometimes

it helps to put a face to a name.

Jo

January 8, 2004